Voting Rights Advocates Celebrate District Court Decision Protecting Michiganders’ Privacy and Security

Contact: Erin Lodes, erin@promotethevotemi.com

Michigan election protection experts applaud dismissal of DOJ voter file lawsuit 

Lansing, MI - On Tuesday, a federal judge rejected the U.S. Department of Justice’s demand that the Michigan Department of State hand over an unredacted copy of Michigan’s voter file, which would include sensitive, personal information including driver’s license numbers and Social Security numbers. Judge Hala Jarbou of the Western District of Michigan concluded none of the laws cited by the Department of Justice allow them to obtain an unredacted copy of Michigan’s voter file.

The following statement can be attributed to Micheal Davis, Jr., executive director of Promote the Vote Advocates:

“Everyday folks are dealing with so much right now—overwhelming costs for food and housing, unaffordable healthcare, and the erosion of our democratic institutions and norms. No one should also have to worry about their personal information being compromised when they register to vote or update their registration. 

“With this decision, Michigan voters can breathe a sigh of relief. The Michigan Department of State and the court have provided millions of Michigan voters with reassurance that when they make their voice heard in our democracy, their privacy will be protected.”

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